2012 ANNUAL REPORT D E V E L O P I N G
C I V I C
I N F R A S T R U C T U R E
Fellow Citizens, As I reflect on 2012, I cannot help but feel a very real sense of excitement. Over the span of twelve months, Alabamians deliberated on issues of public concern, developed the infrastructure necessary to effectively make decisions together, and worked to build civic capacity in communities across the state. We are well on our way to increasing the civic health of Alabama, while consistently emphasizing the importance of public capital. Annual reports are intended to summarize the work that was completed over the span of an entire year, while also measuring the impact of that work. I hope that by reading this report, you gain insight into our signature programs, while also recognizing that we are working to communicate our impact in measurable terms. The Mathews Center sponsors non-advocacy, non-partisan programs and projects that are focused on civic and community engagement, which means we face significant challenges when measuring the quantitative impact of our work. That being said, the National Conference on Citizenship, Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts, and University of Alabama’s New College have all assisted us in establishing a baseline measurement of our state’s civic health--the Alabama Civic Health Index. The Civic Health Index provides data and analysis related to political action, social connectedness, volunteerism, and public work. The Mathews Center primarily focuses on public work, which is defined as “working with others to solve a problem or improve something through the process of deliberation and action.� According to the U. S. Census Current Population Survey data, 6.7% of Alabamians say they attended meetings and worked with neighbors to solve problems in 2010. This number is higher than the national average (4.7%), but it still shows us that we have a lot of work to do. Throughout 2012, the Center partnered with community conveners across the state to bring Alabamians together to make decisions and take action on issues of concern (public work!). Whether in a workshop, a learning exchange, or a forum, citizens were encouraged to find common ground, weigh costs and consequences, express concerns, and look for opportunities to collaborate. The Center would not exist without our statewide partnerships, and we are endlessly thankful for these productive relationships. Let’s be proud of the work that was done by citizens in 2012, and let’s prepare to work together in 2013 to increase Alabama’s civic health!
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DAV I D M AT T H E W S C E N T E R f o r C I V I C L I F E
Chris McCauley, Executive Director